2.1.15

Factors affecting Diffusion

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Factors Affecting Diffusion

The rate of diffusion can speed up or slow down based on the following factors:

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Concentration gradient

  • The concentration gradient is linked to the difference in concentration between two areas.
  • The bigger the difference in concentration between two areas, the greater the concentration gradient and the faster the rate of diffusion.
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Temperature

  • The higher the temperature, the faster the rate of diffusion.
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Membrane surface area

  • The larger the surface area of the membrane that a substance is diffusing through (e.g. the membrane around a cell), the faster the rate of diffusion.
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Distance

  • The greater the distance a substance has to diffuse across, the more time taken.
  • For example, a thicker membrane creates a larger distance, so diffusion across it will take longer.

Jump to other topics

1The Nature & Variety of Living Organisms

2Structure & Functions in Living Organisms

3Organism Functions

3.1Respiration

3.2Gas Exchange

3.3Transport

3.4Excretion

3.5Coordination & Response

4Reproduction & Inheritance

5Ecology

6Biological Resources

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